SYRIA - The Consequences of Non-Compliance and Arming Rebels

"U.S. and Russia Disagree on Consequences if Syria Doesn't Comply With Arms Deal" (Part-1) PBS Newshour 9/16/2013

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SUMMARY:  The United Nations confirmed that chemical weapons were used against Syrian civilians, but did not assign responsibility.  Secretary of State John Kerry traveled to Paris to rally support for a U.S.-Russia agreement that would force Syria to remove or destroy all chemical weapons by mid-2014.  Gwen Ifill reports.

"Chemical Weapons Declaration May Offer 'First, Key Tipoff' of Assad's Intentions" (Part-2) PBS Newshour 9/16/2013

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SUMMARY:  The Syrian government said it will comply with the U.S.-Russian deal, which puts the burden on Syria to declare the size and location of its chemical weapon stockpile.  Gwen Ifill talks to Charles Duelfer, a former UN weapons inspector, about likely complications and the new UN report confirming a chemical attack near Damascus.

"Free Syrian Army Chief:  Foreign Weapon Donations Will Go Into the 'Right Hands'" PBS Newshour 9/16/2013

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SUMMARY:  The Free Syrian Army, the rebels who have been fighting the Assad regime for two years, have criticized the U.S.-Russian road map detailing the removal of Syria's chemical weapons, believing it lets the Syrian government off the hook from foreign military intervention.  Gwen Ifill talks to the Free Syrian Army's Gen. Salim Idris.